Foot Orthotics 101

Though it is not something that is often considered, your little feet are charged with the tough job of supporting the full weight of your body. That said, if your feet are experiencing even the slightest of difficulties, these difficulties may influence the way you walk and the posture you hold as you walk. Changing your gait will increase pressure and stress on other bodily joints and may even lead to more serious issues, such as those related to the knees, hip, back or neck. Foot orthotics can easily lift your foot troubles away, and save you from the possibility of those problems commonly related to the feet. If you have been experiencing difficulties with your feet, do not underestimate the damage you may be doing to yourself, and see a foot podiatrist as soon as possible.

Foot orthotics, for those new to the term, describe those insoles specially made for your feet and meant to correct any imbalance there that may be throwing off the rest of your body's balance. Sometimes referred to as orthopedic insoles, these little devices fit snugly into your shoes and work to correct the problems experienced by the feet. They resemble ordinary insoles, but because they have been designed by a podiatrist especially for your unique foot, they work to the extreme advantage of your personal shape.

At the podiatrist's office, the doctor will take a scan of your foot as you stroll over a pressure plate. This plate contains several thousand tiny sensors which work to understand the distribution of pressure placed there by the foot over time. The pressure placed on the pad by your foot is sent to a computer, which maps a picture of the pressure as it appears on the bottom of the foot. The podiatrist will be able to see from the computerized map whether there is a problem at hand. If the doctor believes the trouble may be solved with the help of orthotics, he will send the data to a lab which will make an insole tailored to suit your particular problem or problems. Once you have your specialized insoles, you can fit them into your shoes to solve your aches and pains.

The main activity of these insoles is to reduce the amount of arch flattening and ankle role. They do much to reduce the level of rotation which takes place in the ankles, knees and legs. The insoles work to realign the ankle bones and the feet so that the normal foot functions may resume.

You may be thinking that you will try some of those insoles you have seen at the shoe store before you go traipsing off to a podiatrist for help. But you may want to reconsider, especially if you have been feeling any pain in your body that is related to your particular foot issues. One visit to the podiatrist may be all it takes to get your life back in order and all of that pain under control. Do not waste your time with insoles that are not designed to work for your unique needs.


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Stewart Wrighter has been researching Manhattan foot orthotics specialists for an article he is writing about the subject. His wife scheduled an appointment with a Manhattan foot podiatrist to treat her bunions.